I never liked free-jazz very much--although I appreciate the rebellious impulse. Many people I know who love this form of music are...smarter than me, so sometimes I think I just don't get it. One of the things I love about Mingus, (and there are many things I love about Mingus!) is his compositions increased my appreciation of horns blowing wild and loose, seemingly disconnected from each other AND the rhythm section. Another thing I love about Mingus--he has a feel for the old music. Blues is at the root of Jazz--some still use the terms interchangeably--and Mingus really knows how to mix the old and the new. 'Devils Blues' is like one of those songs your Mama used to dance to in the fifties--tight and swingy and just completely...Black. 'Sues Changes,' a 17 minute ode to his wife is dizzying in its time changes--sometimes its a sweet, love song, other times its a crazy, dissolute, beautiful mess, but, somehow, it manages to be hummable. Listen to this song in the shower--the melody will be in your head the rest of the day. And 'Duke Ellington's Sounds of Love' IS JUST PERFECT--all I can say about this song is sit in a dark room, have a glass of wine and find yourself listening to it over, and over and over again! You will understand why people say Mingus is the best bassists ever.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Romancing